tDCS plus Action Observation Therapy for leg function in children with diplegic CP

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study examines the combined use of active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with Action Observation Therapy (AOT) to improve gross motor function in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Participants are randomized to receive either active tDCS plus AOT or sham tDCS plus AOT, aiming to isolate the effect of brain stimulation on outcomes. Assessments include GMFM-88 for gross motor function, MAS for spasticity, and walking speed (10-meter walk test) at six weeks post-intervention. Eligible children are aged 6–12 with MAS = 2, CFCS Level II, and no contraindications to tDCS or participation. The trial is conducted at Alam Family Hospital in Wah, Punjab Province, led by Riphah International University.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participants diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of 2
2. Age between 6 to 12 years old
3. Participants classified as Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) Level II
4. Participant with CFCS Level II

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of uncontrolled epilepsy (any seizure within the past 6 months).
2. Implanted metallic or electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker, cochlear implant, deep brain stimulator).
3. Severe dystonia, ataxia, or predominant weakness interfering with upper limb or lower limb function.
4. Severe visual impairment (not correctable with aids) preventing participation in action observation tasks.
5. Botulinum toxin injections in the affected limb(s) within the past 6 months or planned during study period.
6. Orthopedic surgery to the affected limb(s) within the past 12 months or planned during study period.
7. Skin conditions, lesions, or infections at electrode placement sites.
8. Current use of medications significantly affecting cortical excitability (e.g., high-dose benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants), unless cleared by neurologist.
9. Participation in another interventional clinical trial within the past 3 months.
10. Any medical or psychiatric condition that, in the investigator's judgment, makes participation unsafe or interferes with study outcomes.

Where it's running

• Alam Family Hospital
  Wah, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ayesha Bashir — Riphah International University
• Study coordinator: Dr. Ayesha Bashir, MS-NMPT
• Email: ayesha.bashir@riphah.edu.pk/
• Phone: +923335256920

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Suit therapy with dual-task exercises to improve walking and gross motor skills in children with diplegic cerebral palsy

  This program will try suit therapy combined with dual-task exercises to see if it helps children aged 6–12 with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy walk and move better.

  Recruiting Kafrelsheikh University · Kafr ash Shaykh, Kafrelsheikh · NCT07096531

• Effect of DAFO on balance and motor function in children with diplegic cerebral palsy

  This study is testing how wearing a special ankle-foot brace can help improve balance and movement in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.

  Recruiting Abant Izzet Baysal University · Bolu · NCT06343688

• Telerehabilitation vs. supervised rehabilitation for patellofemoral pain syndrome

  This study tests whether remote exercise therapy can work as well as in-person supervised rehab for people with patellofemoral pain.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07921212

• Vestibular Stimulation vs Core Stability Training for Sitting Balance in Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy

  This study tests whether vestibular stimulation or core stability training helps improve sitting balance in young children with hypotonic cerebral palsy.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Chakwal, Punjab Province · NCT07921186

• Hybrid mobile health and telerehabilitation vs in-person physiotherapy for shoulder pain

  This study tests whether a mobile-health program, tele-rehabilitation sessions, or conventional physiotherapy can help adults with Subacromial Pain Syndrome.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Rawalpindi, Federal · NCT07921160

• Telerehabilitation vs clinic-based physiotherapy for children with spastic cerebral palsy

  This study tests whether structured telerehabilitation can be as effective as in-clinic physiotherapy for improving movement in children aged 4–12 with spastic cerebral palsy.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Swābi, Kpk · NCT07921147

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.